Online LPN Programs in North Carolina: NC Schools Compared
If you’re passionate about helping others, an LPN program in North Carolina could be a great next step for you. Nursing offers ample career opportunities, and with an LPN program you can be working in a hospital, medical office, or nursing home in about a year. Some programs offer evening and online classes to give you the flexibility to learn at a time and place that’s most convenient. Keep reading to compare top LPN programs, get a preview of the curriculum, explore admissions requirements, and find out what you’ll pay for an LPN program—along with the salary you can expect once you graduate.
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Comparing Online LPN Programs in North Carolina
Are you interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina? While you won’t find any fully online accredited LPN programs (mostly due to the hands-on nature of training), some schools such as Cape Fear Community College offer a hybrid curriculum allowing students to take classes on-campus and online.
In this type of program, you’ll take general education and foundational science courses online and then complete nursing courses and clinical experiences in person. Most clinical-related classes are held at medical facilities located close to the school’s campus.
In terms of length and complexity, LPN programs are a midpoint between certified nursing assistant (CNA) and registered nurse (RN) programs. They take less time to complete than RN programs but prepare you with more skills and more responsibilities than CNA programs. Schools such as those below can quickly put you on the path to a fulfilling career.
Cape Fear Community College
The practical nursing diploma program at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) provides the skills and knowledge you need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and step into the healthcare field. The 44-credit, full-time program at CFCC is accredited by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. It prepares students to provide direct client care under the supervision of an RN or licensed dentist or physician. Applications are accepted near the start of the year, and scholarships and financial aid are available.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,344 in state, $11,792 out of state (plus additional fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- CFCC general admission application
- Official high school transcript or equivalent
- Official college transcripts (if any)
- Associates degree, high school GPA of 2.8 or higher, or other specified educational achievements through various schools or coursework
- 2.5 GPA in any coursework completed at CFCC
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a minimum score of 50 in each section
- Filed Intent to Apply
- Medical report
- Drug screening
- CPR certification
- Criminal background check
Core Curriculum:
- General education coursework (English, Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology classes)
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Nursing
- General Psychology
- Writing and Inquiry
- Developmental Psychology
- Practical Nursing
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Guilford Technical Community College
At Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), the practical nursing program prepares you take the NCLEX-PN. Upon successful completion, you should be able to plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care under the supervision of an RN or other licensed healthcare professional. The program requires 41 to 44 credits and is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Once fully licensed as an LPN, you can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, and more. Admission is competitive, with spots for 30 students for each fall admission. GTCC offers financial aid.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,719 in state, $12,607 out of state (plus $2,290 for books/supplies)
Admissions Requirements:
- GTCC general admission
- Online program information session
- College readiness in English and math
- Competency in biology
- CNA certification
- TEAS exam with minimum score of 66
- Application
- Office of Inspector General (OIG) review
- Background check
- Drug screening
Core Curriculum:
- Writing and Inquiry
- Practical Nursing
- General Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology
Craven Community College
Through the practical nursing diploma program from Craven Community College you’ll learn to provide evidence-based nursing care and individualized treatment under the direction of an RN or other healthcare professional. Delve into the ethical and legal aspects of being an LPN, practice professional nursing behaviors, and focus on culturally competent, client-centered care for patients of all ages. This 45-credit program holds the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Applications are due in March, and classes begin in August.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $2,114 in state, $4,898 out of state (plus $1,300 books/supplies)
Admissions Requirements:
- Practical Nursing application
- TEAS completion
- Current unrestricted CNA listing
- Developmental requirements for general education courses
- Chemistry course of C grade or higher
- High school diploma or GED
- High school transcript
- GPA of 2.5
- CPR certification
Core Curriculum:
- College Student Success
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- General and Developmental Psychology
- Practical Nursing
- Writing and Inquiry
Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions
While you’ve learned a lot about LPN programs in North Carolina, you might still have lingering questions. Here are some of the most common queries along with their answers.
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in NC?
The bulk of what an LPN student learns involves nursing medical theory and nursing practice. You’ll learn about scientific concepts relating to processes of the human body, and you’ll explore professional behaviors, caring interventions, effective communication, and more. Students also learn hands-on skills such as taking vital signs and conducting patient assessments. Finally, nursing practice instruction includes policy- and rules-driven topics, such as ethics, professional behavior, and healthcare delivery systems.
How much do LPN programs cost in North Carolina?
North Carolina residents attending one of the many community colleges, such as GTCC, can expect to earn their practical nursing diplomas for roughly $3,000 to $6,000. Additionally, you can typically pay by semester instead of paying the full price up front, allowing you to plan for expenses and put money aside throughout the year. Keep in mind that base tuition rates don’t include school fees, books and supplies, transportation to campus and clinicals, and technology for online classes.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in North Carolina?
Yes, many LPN programs in North Carolina offer financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Most grants and scholarships are offered by nonprofits and corporations. However some schools, such as CFCC, offer scholarships through their foundation, and some of these scholarships are exclusively for nursing students. As you’re looking for the most affordable online LPN programs, keep each program’s length in mind. Fast-track (aka accelerated) LPN programs can put you in the workforce a bit faster, which means you’ll start earning money a bit faster as well.
How long do LPN programs in North Carolina take to finish?
Most traditional and online LPN programs in NC consist of 42 to 45 credit hours. With full-time study, the typical student graduates in about one year by taking courses year-round during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Some schools also offer courses during evenings and weekends. If you’re interested in taking your education even further, LPN to associate degree in nursing programs and LPN to bachelor of science in nursing programs are an excellent option. Many of these programs are designed for working nurses, so you can maintain your LPN career as you continue your education.
What’s the difference between CNAs and LPNs?
As a CNA, your responsibilities are focused on providing basic care and helping patients with activities of daily living. For example, a CNA might assist with bathing, dressing, feeding, and repositioning patients. While CNAs spend quality time with patients and make a difference in their care and recovery, their level of responsibility is limited. LPNs spend more time on healthcare roles and less time on personal care. LPNs check blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs; change bandages; discuss care with patients and report information to other members of the healthcare team; document patient care; and maintain health records. Many LPN programs require you to already have a CNA license. Convenient CNA to LPN bridge programs are designed to help you quickly move on to the next stage of your nursing career.
North Carolina LPN Certification Explained
North Carolina is like most other states regarding LPN licensing. Its general requirements include:
- Graduating from an LPN program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
- Passing the NCLEX-PN
- Application for licensure
- Passing a criminal background check
Before you can earn your license, you must first graduate from an LPN program that’s approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Programs may also be accredited by either the ACEN or the NLN CNEA.
Most LPN programs take about a year, and when you’re done, you’ll be readyto take the NCLEX-PN and get your license to practice.At least two weeks before finishing your LPN program, register and schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, the test administrator. You’ll also need to sign up on the NC Board of Nursing Nurse Portal, provide your background information, and pay the $75 application fee.
The last major component of the licensing process is the criminal background check. This consists of passing both state-based and FBI criminal history checks. If you’re a North Carolina resident, you can usually complete this by submitting electronic fingerprint scans through a local law-enforcement office. Once you receive your license, it’ll be good for two years.
North Carolina LPN Pay and Opportunities
Becoming an LPN in North Carolina requires formal education and passing the necessary examinations. But what can students expect once these requirements are fulfilled? Fortunately, the job outlook is promising for LPNs in North Carolina. Nationwide, the growth rate for LPNs is projected at 5.3% from 2022 to 2032, but in North Carolina, the rate is 10%. This translates to 1,490 annual job openings for graduates of LPN programs in North Carolina.
LPNs in North Carolina can expect a median annual wage of $58,590. The top 90th percentile earns $70,160, while the lower 10th percentile earns about $47,130. Those working in densely populated areas of North Carolina are likely to see higher pay. For example, the median annual wage in the Durham-Chapel Hill area is $61,470, in the Asheville area it is $61,860, and in the Charlotte area it is $60,430. Check out the information below to see what to expect in your area of North Carolina.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $47,130 | $58,590 | $70,160 |
| Asheville, NC | $47,130 | $61,860 | $72,000 |
| Burlington, NC | $50,120 | $60,020 | $69,840 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $49,020 | $60,430 | $71,430 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $46,990 | $61,470 | $71,690 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $46,670 | $57,820 | $69,100 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $41,310 | $55,470 | $62,050 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $49,630 | $59,240 | $65,050 |
| Greenville, NC | $47,980 | $55,280 | $61,820 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $46,860 | $58,090 | $64,450 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $44,400 | $52,790 | $68,240 |
| New Bern, NC | $42,820 | $53,610 | $60,160 |
| Raleigh, NC | $49,920 | $60,360 | $72,830 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $47,510 | $58,590 | $65,250 |
| Wilmington, NC | $46,190 | $55,160 | $65,490 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $47,770 | $59,260 | $67,650 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| North Carolina | 16,650 | 18,320 | 1,670 | 10.00% | 1,490 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
